Leaked images, reportedly of the upcoming Sony Xperia 10 VII, have surfaced online, suggesting the company is planning a significant design refresh for its mid-range smartphone line. The images, which originated from a case manufacturer’s listing on Amazon Japan, showcase a device that breaks from Sony’s recent design trends, sparking speculation about the brand’s new direction.

A Surprising Redesign for the Mid-Range Lineup

The most striking change revealed in the renders is the rear camera module. Ditching the vertical pill-shaped housing seen on its recent predecessors, the Xperia 10 VII appears to feature a horizontal dual-camera setup that also integrates the microphone and LED flash. This marks a notable departure for the Xperia line, which has maintained a largely consistent design language for the past several years. The last time Sony utilized a horizontal camera array on this series was with the first-generation Xperia 10 back in 2019.

Despite the redesigned camera, the overall form factor seems to retain some classic Xperia elements. The front of the device still features noticeable bezels at the top and bottom of the screen, preserving a clean, uninterrupted display without a notch or punch-hole cutout. The side bezels remain relatively slim, and the phone’s right side houses the volume and power buttons. While not visible in the case images, rumors suggest that Sony will also include its signature dedicated camera shutter button.

Familiar Form Factor with a Major Display Upgrade

While the chassis design may feel familiar, the Xperia 10 VII is rumored to receive a substantial upgrade where it counts most. According to an earlier report from April, the device is expected to feature a 6.1-inch Full HD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This would be a massive improvement over the 60Hz panel on the current Xperia 10 VI and would bring the device in line with its mid-range competitors. The phone is expected to maintain Sony’s cinematic 21:9 aspect ratio.

Internally, the Xperia 10 VII is speculated to be powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset, which would offer a performance boost of around 15% over the previous generation. However, some whispers suggest Sony might opt for an even newer Snapdragon chipset to make the device a more compelling option in the competitive mid-range market.

Launch Timing Complicated by Flagship Issues

The timing of this leak is particularly interesting given Sony’s recent challenges with its flagship model, the Xperia 1 VII. The company recently had to temporarily halt sales and initiate a product exchange program for the flagship due to unspecified issues, a situation that has likely caused significant internal disruption.

With sales of the Xperia 1 VII set to resume on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, launching a teaser for a new product could be a delicate matter. Furthermore, there is speculation that any production delays affecting the flagship could also impact the Xperia 10 VII’s manufacturing schedule, as both devices are likely produced in the same facilities. A promotional campaign for the Xperia 1 VII has also been extended through September 30, leading some to believe that an announcement for the Xperia 10 VII may be strategically postponed until October.

While this information remains unconfirmed, there is a clear market need for a new device from Sony. With previous high-end and mid-range models like the Xperia 1 VI and 5 V now discontinued and out of stock, a significant gap exists in the company’s lineup. The Xperia 10 VII is positioned to fill that crucial space between the new flagship and older models, making its release highly anticipated.